Malaysia’s new MyKad is here — What you need to know

Malaysia’s national identity card is getting its biggest upgrade in over two decades. The new MyKad — officially called the New Structure MyKad — began its phased rollout on 1 June 2026, bringing 53 security features to replace the 23 found in the current version.

The upgrade has been in the works for some time. But now that it’s here, Malaysians have questions. Do you need to replace your card immediately? What’s actually new? And what happened to Touch ‘n Go? Here’s what you need to know.

What’s new in the 2026 MyKad

The jump from 23 to 53 security elements is significant. According to National Registration Department (JPN) director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias, the new card includes laser engraving, ultraviolet security features, holograms, guilloche patterns, microtext, QR codes for enforcement purposes, and an upgraded chip with stronger encryption technology.

The QR code is new for the Malaysian IC. It is designed for verification and enforcement use — not for payments. This distinction matters because many Malaysians hoped the new MyKad would incorporate Touch ‘n Go functionality. JPN has firmly ruled that out. You will still need a separate TnG card for tolls and transit.

The improvements are aimed at reducing document forgery and identity theft — both growing concerns as Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation, including the MyDigital ID rollout and mandatory e-Invoicing.

When will you actually get the new card?

Not just yet — and here is where it gets practical.

As of 8 June 2026, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution confirmed that the official launch of the new MyKad is still pending. In the meantime, JPN continues to issue cards using existing stock.

“We will continue issuing passports and identity cards using the existing stock until it is exhausted,” he said after a ministerial monthly assembly on Monday.

“The fact that a new contract has begun does not mean we should destroy stock that is still available.”

Around 35,000 applications are received monthly from holders who have reached the age of 12. Saifuddin said the transition will be managed in a practical and cost-effective manner to avoid wastage of government resources.

In short: if you apply for a MyKad today, you will likely receive the current version until existing stock runs out. The new card will follow once the official launch is announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Do you need to replace your existing MyKad?

No — and the government has been clear about this. Saifuddin specifically urged Malaysians not to rush to JPN offices.

“The law does not require holders of the MyKad to immediately replace them once the new version is introduced,” he said.

Your existing MyKad remains fully valid for all official transactions — including subsidy redemption and government assistance. There is no deadline for most holders.

However, three groups are required to upgrade within three years:

• Holders of the old plastic identity card (KPP)
• Holders of the high-quality identity card (KPT)
• Holders of Version 1 MyKad

If you fall into any of these categories, plan your replacement within the next three years. There is no immediate rush, but do not leave it too late.

How to apply when the new MyKad launches

Once the rollout expands, appointments must be made through the JPN Appointment System before visiting. The initial phase covers JPN headquarters in Putrajaya and 18 selected offices nationwide, before expanding across the country in stages.

For updates, visit JPN’s official website at www.jpn.gov.my or follow their official social media channels.

A brief history of the Malaysian IC

The new MyKad is the sixth major iteration of Malaysia’s national identity system, dating back to 1948. The original paper-based card gave way to plastic ICs in the 1960s, then high-quality cards in the 1980s.

Malaysia made history in 2001 as one of the first countries in the world to issue a multipurpose smart chip identity card. The chip was upgraded again in 2012. The 2026 New Structure MyKad is the next step — and by the scale of the security upgrade, the most significant since the original smart chip was introduced.

For appointments and further information, visit www.jpn.gov.my or contact JPN through their official social media channels.